Seadogs embark on Lassa fever awareness campaign in Lagos

The campaign took members of the group, most of whom are medical doctors, to the streets through Tejuosho/Yaba market, Ojuelegba, Jibowu and the Yaba motor park.

members of NAS during the campaign

This was necessitated by the outbreak of Lassa fever, with its attendant consequences on human lives and well-being.

Despite the assurance by Minister of Health,Prof.Isaac Adewole, that it will be eradicated in April, it resurfaced in August.

At the last known report, two deaths were recorded at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, out of five cases, with another 100 put on surveillance.

The campaign was simultaneously carried out across Lagos, led by the Lagos Mainland Captain, Mr. Arinze Odiari, flanked by members of the association.

The walk also had a full retinue of medical support, comprising the NAS team of medical doctors, led by Dr. Andrew Onemu and Dr. Ola Oyeneyin, who provided further medical insight into the damage that Lassa fever can cause.

As part of the campaign, members of the Association walked through the streets in organised groups distributing fliers/handbills and advising the general public through public address systems.

They took their time to inform all those present about the Lassa fever scourge, its symptoms, early detection, prevention, treatment and reporting to medical centres all over the state. The public was generally advised about the high risk associated with the disease.

A key element of the awareness campaign was hinged on the need to deepen communication in recognition of the target audience. The most spoken languages in Nigeria, the Pidgin English, Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa languages were used to communicate the campaign message.

The efforts of the NAS in this regard was well received and appreciated going by the feedback from interviews granted members of the public during and after the walk.